Can Cats Eat Olives?

Yes, cats can eat olives in moderation, but only pitted and plainly cooked varieties.

The olive fruit comes from the tree of the same name, which is a shrub belonging to the Oleaceae family. Olives are prized in the Mediterranean region because the fruits are transformed into olive oil and used for many dishes.

Raw olives are too bitter, so they are hardly eaten in this form. They are usually cured or pickled, and soaked over long periods in salt water. This type of olive is bad for cats as too much salt may lead to poisoning. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, incoordination, and excessive thirst or urination are common symptoms. Similarly, marinated olives are also not recommended as they may contain potentially harmful ingredients for your kitty. Orange, lemon, and chili are typically added to the mixture, and these are all known to be bad for cats.

How to feed olives to your cat: Before feeding any type of olive, check the nutrition facts label to find out if there are any poisonous ingredients present. Only give your cat unsalted and unseasoned olives.

Depending on her size, it is recommended that you only serve a maximum of one olive per snack. Make sure to slice it into small, bite-sized pieces. Also, remove the pit found in your plain olive as it may cause choking or intestinal blockage.

Packed with natural antioxidants and vitamins, extra virgin olive oil can be given to your cat in limited quantities as it is also high in fat. 

Here are three ideas for olive treats your cat will love:

1. Place a chopped olive over your cat’s meal to add a burst of flavour. 
2. This carrot and catnip kitty treat allows you to use 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 
3. Let her eat a piece of sliced olive as an afternoon snack.

In summary: Let your cat enjoy unsalted, unseasoned, and unmarinated olives as long as your veterinarian allows you to include it in her diet. Any other kind of olive can lead to unwanted health complications. Since olives are high in fat and sodium, cats suffering from heart and kidney disease should not eat it. 

Discover which human foods you can safely feed your pet cat through our “can cats eat” blog category.

References: 

Olive

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Can Cats Eat Olives? You May Be Surprised!